Protecting Oregon's
Natural Lands

For Generations To Come

We are Mckenzie river trust

The McKenzie River Trust is a nonprofit land trust formed in 1989 to protect critical habitats and scenic lands in the McKenzie River basin. Today, our service area includes the watersheds of the Long Tom, Upper Willamette, Coast and Middle Forks of the Willamette, Umpqua, Siuslaw, and coastal headlands, rivers, streams, and lakes from Reedsport to Lincoln City. 

Throughout our history, we have partnered with caring landowners, our members, foundations, and partner organizations to protect, forever, land and water in western Oregon.

From the Field

35 Years Caring for Oregon’s Lands and Rivers

35 years ago, a small group of neighbors who cared deeply about the health of the McKenzie River came together to preserve its exceptional water quality, founding McKenzie River Trust in 1989. At that time, local couple Ann and Dave Fidanque were busy raising their family. On weekends, they would immerse their children in nature, regularly spending time at a US Forest Service cabin on the upper McKenzie River. By the early 1990s, the family considered the upper McKenzie an extension of their home, so when a clearcut was proposed for a hillside just across the river, Ann and others were concerned about the area’s future and what such actions may mean for the river’s health.

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283 Acres of Rare Oak and Prairie Habitat Protected Forever in Eugene’s Ridgeline Area

In early September McKenzie River Trust ensured the permanent protection of 243 acres of rare oak woodland and savanna habitat just outside Eugene, OR. The project builds on initial conservation efforts in 2022, which leveraged membership donations to protect 40 adjacent acres for fish and wildlife habitat. Long identified by area partners as a potential “anchor” site in the ridgeline area, the South Fork Spencer Creek conservation area builds on the City of Eugene’s open space protection efforts, contributing significant habitat to the wildlife corridor.

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protecting land and water

McKenzie River Trust works with willing landowners to protect and care for more than 10,000 acres of land for fish, wildlife, water quality, and the people of Western Oregon.

Connecting people to place

Each year, McKenzie River Trust members, volunteers, business supporters, schools, and community groups give their time and resources to help protect and care for the lands and rivers we cherish in western Oregon.

restoring natural systems

From the Cascade Mountains to the Oregon coast, McKenzie River Trust works with partners across the region to design and implement large-scale restoration projects for the benefit of fish, wildlife, and people of western Oregon. With your help, we’re leaving the land better than we found it.

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Sustaining our mission

The work of land trusts is forever work. That’s why we rely on the incredible care of community members like you to help us not only advance, but sustain our mission over time. There are so many ways to get involved. We hope you will join us. 

Join us on the land

Explore Green Island on the Second Saturday of Each Month
Learn in the outdoors through Connect with the land tours
Volunteer for conservation from September-June

Stay Up to Date on News and Events

Dive deeper and join our digital newsletter list today. Our twice-monthly newsletter delivers the stories and opportunities you care about most at a frequency that won't bog down your inbox. From the latest in land and water conservation to upcoming events, and field notes about Oregon's beloved plants and animals, our newsletters aim to engage and inspire. We hope you'll join us.


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McKenzie River Trust

Eugene Office: 725 W 1st Ave, STE B, Eugene, OR 97402
Newport Office: 914 SW Coast Hwy. Newport, OR 97365
Mailing Address: PO Box 1451 Eugene OR 97440

Phone: (541) 345-2799

Email: info@mckenzieriver.org